This book appears in the "Biographies of Disease" series, which includes volumes on diabetes, autism, cancer, and several other diseases, all written by professional health writers advised by medical specialists. Like other books in the series, this one seeks to describe a disease's history and those who studied and advanced research and treatment of the disease. Taking a straightforward longitudinal approach, Gifford starts with a chapter on the first historical mentions of alcoholism in myth, early medical uses of alcohol, and trends toward abstinence in the US. In subsequent chapters, the author defines alcoholism, signs and symptoms, theories of causation and risk factors, and health complications; describes diagnosis, screening protocols, and treatments (including standard outpatient and residential treatments, Alcoholics Anonymous, and alternative treatments to manage cravings); describes the place of alcohol in modern US society, highlighting issues related to underage and young-adult drinking; looks at the relation of alcohol use and violence, including domestic abuse and high-risk behaviors; and outlines trends in recent research on alcoholism, including new medications, behavioral treatments, and alternative medicine. In short, the volume covers the major issues surrounding alcohol, albeit it briefly, and concludes with current references. Summing Up: Recommended. Lower- and upper-division undergraduates; general readers. D. L. Loers Wartburg College